ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to regulate, decrease, and fix the maximum price of various eSIM-related services, aiming to enhance the availability, affordability, and convenience for users to access mobile connectivity across Pakistan, AJ&K, and GB.
In the latest order, Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) will be eligible to charge not more than Rs. 1,500 for both issuance of a new eSIM and a physical SIM to eSIM conversion. Furthermore, the eSIM profile will be migrated to any other mobile device, including a smartphone, up to ten times free of charge under the latest guidelines.
According to PTA, these steps were taken in line with its authority towards consumer protection and affordability and facilitation of the telecom sector, enabling the provision of affordable telecom services.
The new rates and facilities will be applicable from 17th of August, 2026. It would bring much-needed uniformity among the mobile operators while making the process of shifting your current profile for users who often transition their SIM to new devices much cheaper.
PTA issues Advisory
Earlier, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued important security guidelines to protect WhatsApp users from hacking and cyber fraud.
PTA officials have said in a statement that by adopting a few simple security measures, users can protect their WhatsApp accounts from unauthorized access.
They said that cyber criminals are constantly trying to hack WhatsApp accounts, so users should strengthen the security of their accounts.
The authority directed that the security notification feature of WhatsApp must be activated. For this, users should go to WhatsApp settings and turn on “Show security notifications” in the account and then the security notifications option.
With the activation of this feature, users will receive immediate notification of any change in the security of the account.
PTA has advised users to also associate a secure and active email address with their WhatsApp account so that account recovery can be easily possible in case of hacking or any emergency situation.
The authority also directed that “two-step verification” be mandatory, saying that this additional security feature plays a vital role in preventing hackers and cybercriminals from gaining unauthorized access to accounts.
The PTA stressed that a little caution can protect users’ personal data, contacts and digital lives, while negligence can lead to cyber fraud and financial loss.
